franco12 wrote:to me, Spree had that Jordan-esque will to win. Allan seemed like a really good player, and maybe since he was so quiet and humble.

I used to think- who would you want with you in a dark alley- Spree did not seem to back down from any challenge. If I am picking for a pick up game in the park, I'm picking Spree, no offense.

He would not back down to deadlines, a schedule, IRS, Coaches, etc. The think that drove him as a player also hurt him. He also let down his team when he broke his wrist, or missed training camp with is disappearing act. The will to win and play hard was there. The will to be non conform was cool, but did it serve him in the end?
WE no doubt romance the past.
Who was better? They were different. Spree was a better individual talent and should not even be a question as to who was “better”. Who was a better player or a better Knick? That might be a close call. Fact is if he did not choke his coach he never would be a knick.
Career wise? Hands down Spree was the better player and a statistically a better career.
https://www.landofbasketball.com/player_comparison/allan_houston_vs_latrell_sprewell.htm

Spree was well on his way to being a HOF player and measured up well with anyone in that era that did. But, perhaps his defiance kept him off more all NBA teams and allstar games which does matter for those things. Allan never reached that level of play.

GustavBahler wrote:Agree with all posts upthread. Wasnt many players who attacked the rim like Spree did back then.

That’s the problem though. Spree’s offensive game became more one dimensional than it was in Gokden State. All he did was drive to the basket either half court or in transition. He wasn’t as good shooter. Houston after his first season shot excellent for us and was able to create his own shot. Made the huge 2 pointer to beat the heat in game 5 in 1999. Took over game 3 in the finals to get us our only win against the spurs

And I loved Spree